AN: So it has been a long time. Sorry about that, things have been hectic and then I had to get a new laptop. I am back but only on a semi-permanent basis. I wont be able to update as often and unfortunately Neve's series is on a Hiatus. My muse just isn't there right now but I'll try to get back to it as soon as I can.
I hope though you'll like this new series until then.
Once A Ranger.
Chapter 1: Back To Action.
"You're twenty-three now Aria, have a little fun."
Aria Oliver chuckled, shaking her head at her practically sister. After finally retiring from the spandex she had moved back to Angel Grove. There she reunited with her friends, and not long after her brother and his wife had moved back to Angel Grove – the place they'd met and fallen in love.
Nina Scott was her best friend, and the sister to another original Ranger. As ironic as that was. They'd met in school and been attached at the hip until 2001 when her mother had moved her away from Angel Grove not long into her freshman year of High School.
Nina was a petite girl compared to her own lithe build – from years of Judo, martial arts in general and gymnastics. She had dark hair, but not the black Aria wore to her shoulder blades. Her eyes were a bright hazel were as Aria had green eyes.
"I agree," another female said, nodding with a vibrant grin.
Karla Scott was Nina's niece. She'd only known the girl later in life, and mostly as a baby. She was one of the very first second generation power children. The child of Trini and Jason Scott, the original Yellow and Red Rangers. Karla was the youngest of the three girls, only eleven years old as of last month (February).
Karla had traces of her mother's oriental features but was her father's daughter with dark brown hair and bright brown doe eyes.
"I'm sure you do Karla," Aria said, smiling. "Hit the rebellious streak yet?"
Karla's nose twitched and her shoulder slumped. Nina and Aria laughed at the younger girl who crossed her arms over her yellow and white dress.
"I'm having plenty of fun. I'm passing my classes, and before long I'll be able to teach High School English without anything stopping me," Aria said proudly.
Nina pouted.
"But.. I thought the whole point of becoming an adult was to get out of High School... not going back," she whined.
Aria smirked and Karla giggled behind her hand, amused by her aunt and honorary aunt.
"I happened to enjoy High School... for the most part," Aria said.
There was the small facts she had almost failed her numerous classes through the four years in the three different schools she'd gone to. Then there had been Ninja Academy... she still hadn't a clue how she'd balanced her duties, academy and High School. If it wasn't for the fact she wanted to ave a normal carer she'd have stayed at the Shadow Academy as a Sensei.
"Well, I have to get to the store and drop Karla off at her parents," Nina said, standing and slinging her purse over her shoulder.
"Do we have to?" Karla asked, not wanting to leave just yet.
"Sorry munchkin, but your parents said to be back by five, it's nearly four now," Nina said, folding her blue coat over her left arm.
"Give me a call later," Aria said. "And it was great seeing you again Kar."
Karla's nose twitched again.
"It's Karla Aunt Aria," she protested.
Aria chuckled and waved as the duo left the coffee shop. A few minutes later Aria stood up, placed her purse over her shoulder and walked towards the bathroom to freshen up before leaving.
After doing her business Aria walked to the sinks and washed her hands, her eyes flickering up at the sudden motion of light and movement her eyes caught. Spinning around Aria fell into stance ready to fight if she had to.
"Settle down Aria Oliver, I mean you no harm," a deep yet high voice said.
Aria caught a good look at the specter. It looked sort of like a golden warrior, but she got no evil vibe from him and she was usually very good at judging ones character.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"I am the Sentinel Knight," he spoke. "I am here to ask you to help protect the earth once more."
Aria's eyes widened.
"Oh, hold up Mr. Knight," she said, holding up her hands like she was surrendering. "I don't know what you've heard but I'm retired."
"Retired you say," he echoed. "I can see why you are hesitant Aria Oliver, but the world needs you. The Rangers have been rendered powerless by their enemy and their enemies new ally, Thrax."
Aria bit her lip, her heart beat out her mind for long enough that she asked, "Who is Thrax?"
"I am glad you asked. Thrax is the son of Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd."
Aria gasped, her eyes wide.
"No way!"
"I'm afraid so. If you agree to help I shall restore one of your former powers and you will meet your teammates to help The Overdrive Rangers."
Aria looked at the Sentinel Knight and sighed.
"This is temporary, right?" she asked.
"That is debatable. Assuming the Rangers can restore their powers then yes, you will be relieved of duty once more. But once I restore your power you will have access to it until such a time that you loose them once more against an enemy," he responded.
Aria shook her head.
"Unbelievable," she muttered. "Alright, I'll do it."
The sentinel Knight nodded and a glow surrounded her, and her growl phone appeared in the Knights hand which was held out to her.
"My growl phone," she said, taking it from the knight.
It had been a long, long time since she'd wielded her first set of powers. It had both good and bad memories behind them. Mostly bad unfortunately. Maybe for once she could use them for something other then evil.
"Good luck, Ruby Wild Force Ranger," the Knight said and disappeared.
Aria sighed and then slipped the morpher into her jean pocket. Looking at her watch she realized how late it was getting. If she wanted to make it to the other Rangers she had to leave now.
"Looks like I'm back," she muttered to herself and then snorted. "Tommy will never let me live this down."